We’re heading into the final weekend of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The ladieswear area can get confusing. By popular demand, here is a rundown of the various departments:

• Women’s Active stocks sports gear like Nike, Adidas and the North face.
• Encore carries everything from sportswear to occasion attire from sizes 14W to 24W.
• Petite Focus specializes in clothing for women 5′ 4″ and below from sizes 0P to 14P.
• B.P. stands for “Brass Plum” and caters to teenagers and youngsters. Styles are small, hip and cheap. You can absolutely shop here if you’re in your 30’s, 40’s and 50’s if you have the body type, spunk and skill to select the right pieces. 
• Point of View stocks affordable, mainstream and fashionable casual and careerwear in regular sizes under labels like Karen Kane, Caslon, Esprit, Semantics and Michael Kors.
• Individualist is a step up from Point of View in both fashion and price point. Here you’ll find ultra sophistication in better-end fabrications and labels like Trina Turk, Theory, Hugo Boss and Laundry.
• Savvy is for the fashion savvy and small framed. This is where you’ll find the hottest trends under labels like Marc Jacobs, L.A.M.B, Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore and True Religion. Stocks here are limited to keep the look exclusive.
• Narrative is a mish mash department. It stocks fashionable dresses and coats and traditional separates with roomier fits. Price points are good and it’s always worth looking here for that unexpected bargain.
• T.B.D. is an urban and denim focused area. You’ll find all the of the moment expensive denim brands like Free People, Citizens of Humanity, Paige and 7 for all Mankind.
• Studio 121 is where you’ll find eclectic and luxe brands at high price points like Eileen Fisher, Misook, Faconable and Lafayette. The area is aimed at a mature shopper.
• St. John houses the beautiful brand itself for the ultra classic women.
• Special Occasion stocks dazzling evening attire.
• Via C is the where you’ll find extremely expensive designer wear like Dolce & Gabbana , Jill Sander, Cavalli, Chanel and Gucci. Expect to part with lots of pretty pennies when you purchase from these collections.

Nordstrom covers a range of fashion personas and price points. Unlike Saks, Barneys and Neiman Marcus, there are affordable departments for ladies on a tight budget. Let us know about your favorite departments, and have fun shopping the sale!

Spanish actress and style maven Penelope Cruz and her equally gorgeous sister Monica uncovered their new clothing line in Spain last week. They’ve had a stab at designing part of an Autumn/Winter 2007 line for Spanish design house Mango (MNG). The collection is due to launch on 16 September alongside a fab advertising  campaign that features the stunning Spanish beauties themselves. Penelope Cruz has a superb sense of style and I’m champing at the bit with curiosity. I can’t wait to see these products hanging in one of my very favourite and affordable places to shop. Watch out rival Spanish retail giant Zara… Mango’s Cruzing with style.

If you live in the USA (or happen to be visiting in late July), mark your calendars! This year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on Friday, July 20. For those of you unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise (Autumn 2007 collections) and offers it at insane prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. Meredeth at Noveau Image has a super post explaining the origins of this renowned shopping event.
 
I was able to get a “sneak peak” at most of their sale offerings last week and here is my hot list of exceptional items by department.

Narrative: This department is best during the anniversary sale. You’ll see lots of short cropped leather biker jackets, woolen swing coats, trenches and  black and white hounds tooth. Hot items:   

• “Via Spiga” black single-breasted belted coat with cracked black patent trim $199
• “Gallery” single-breasted modern microfiber belted trench coat available in black, tan, burnt orange, khaki and brown. For $98 this item is my hottest pick because a trench is forever fashionable
• “Laundry” ivory satin belted puffer jacket perfect for casual settings and après ski.

Individualist: If classy career wear is on your list, make a bee-line for this department. You’ll  see neutrals and jewel tones and lots of A-line silhouettes. Hot items:

• All suiting by “ Classique Entier”, “BCBG”, “Laundry” and “Trina Turk”
• Modern classic slacks by “Wowyn” for $107
• “Charles Gray” trapeze coats in grey, black and tan for $235

T.B.D: Denim and denim friendly items always make this department attractive. You’ll see a continuation of hippy chic easy swing tops, trapeze tunics and empire cuts. Hot items:

• “Halogen” corduroy three-quarter-sleeved cropped  jackets with adorable ’50’s inspired detailing available in an assortment of colours for $58
• “Halogen” brushed cotton long sleeved peplum jacket available in an assortment of colours for $72
• “Halogen” voluminous microfiber trench available in black and khaki for $84
• Wide-legged extra dark blue denim  “7 for all Mankind” jeans for $109

Point of View: This department is more affordable than Individualist and a good stop for both casual and career wear. Hot items:

• All “Semantics” suiting. Their cropped trapeze style jackets are fabulous for $84
• “Live a little” checked bell sleeve jacket for $52
• “David Kahn” jeans for $129
• “Nine West” tunic knitwear for between $49 -$69
• “Michael Kors” cream swing cardigan for $65

Shoes: This is usually the area that I head for first, but I was disappointed with their sale offerings this year. There is nothing wildly enticing if you have your basics for Spring and Autumn covered. But if you are in the market for basics, you might be interested in these options:

• “Franco Sarto” ankle boots available in both black and brown for $64
• “Steve Madden” black riding boots for $94
• “Coach” tan and cream fashion sneakers for $64
• “Paul Green” black riding boots for $250
• “Tasha” Patent car shoes for $150

Petite Focus: This is the best department at this year’s anniversary sale. My favorites are too many to list. Be sure to spend time here if you are a petite. 

Savvy: This is usually my favourite department at Nordstrom, but unfortunately no great shakes with their sale offerings this year and sadly, nothing here makes my hot list.

B.P: This area is always worth a look if you’re young,  ultra trendy, and happy to spend money on  a fashion fad.  Be mindful of the quality in this area though, it’s “throw away fashion at a price”.

The first few days of the sale are chaotic and Nordstrom stores will hold special Anniversary Sale hours on July 20, 21 and 22. Doors open at 7am ladies… keep those fashion feet moving!

I have been shopping and travelling for years, but I hadn’t come across an urban mall that has it all under one roof until I found the Westfield San Francisco Centre. Westfield has anchors like Nordstrom (and this particular branch is beautiful) and Bloomingdales occupying opposite sides of the Centre with absolutely everything else in-between. You’ll see European stores like Zara, H&M, Mango, Hugo Boss, Furla, Reiss and Jacadi on the one hand; and virtually every mainstream American chain store from Banana Republic to Wet Seal, and Express to Victoria Secret on the other. This makes for an expedient and efficient shopping experience.

While I prefer to shop like a true urbanite, striding through endless streets spotting hidden treasures along the way, braving the elements can get tedious and tiresome as you traipse from one side of town to the other. But what makes Westfield Centre somewhat unique is that it’s right in the heart of the bustling city. It’s the perfect way to enjoy an edgy urban experience, with all the conveniences of a suburban mall. Make this your shopping destination if you only have an hour or two to spare for a wee shop in San Francisco. It’s quick, convenient  and brings the best of what international retail has to offer all in one place. Brilliant!

The San Francisco Centre is a famous landmark that was all but destroyed in 1906 and rebuilt. In 1996 it closed and was renovated to what it is today, retaining key architectural elements like the dome and facade shown above.

Uber cheap and chic Swedish chain store H&M considers the U.S. “a key expansion market”. Rumour has it that the European favourite might occupy either the old Barney’s retail  space on 5th avenue or the current Kenneth Cole space on 6th avenue in downtown Seattle. H&M spokesperson Lisa Sandberg downplayed the gossip in the East Bay Business Journal (”Stylish H&M eyes Seattle“, May 4, 2007):

“There is nothing signed in Seattle or Washington state. We are not announcing any leases at this point.”

But she did also confirm that the company has been looking for sites in the area.

“Our real estate department is out scouting the country for the best locations.”

Edgy and urban Seattle would warmly welcome H&M’s fashion-forward and affordable merchandise, giving stores like Old Navy, the Gap and the Nordstrom’s B. P. department a run for their money. My fingers are crossed that H&M keeps it’s stylish eyes on Seattle.

Finding a fashionable, comfortable and affordable pair of shoes is a tall order. With my finicky feet this was my fashion challenge each season. And then I stumbled upon farylrobin, a sassy footwear company that was started 5 years ago by New Yorker Faryl Morse. In her words…

“Women are passionate about their shoes… and their independence. I started farylrobin with those two passions in mind.”

Farylrobin shoes are funky, playful and distinctive. As Faryl says…

“We try to make shoes that are so visually appealing to you that you think “I’ve got to have those!” The kind of shoe that makes you happy just thinking about putting them on. The kind that actually feels as satisfying on as it looks. Yes, you can have it all!”

Can we have it all when it comes to shoes? Looking at the customer comments on Zappos.com, I started to feel a glimmer of hope. “Comfortable” was a word that popped up frequently. So I ordered a pair. After traipsing around in them the whole day, I can genuinely recommend them to others. They are beautifully made, soft on your soles and cheerful to look at. I am delighted to be part if the farylrobin flock.

Farylrobin sandals and pumps cost between $115 and $150 and are available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Amazon.com and Zappos.com. The colourful 3-inch pumps shown above made my feet very happy.

In 1901, Swedish immigrant John W. Nordstrom partnered with Carl Wallin to open their very first shoe store in downtown Seattle. This was the start of what would become the retail legend of Nordstrom, Inc. Today Nordstrom offers everything from inexpensive fad–fashion to the most sought after premier designer labels and “has grown from one downtown Seattle shoe store into a nationwide fashion specialty chain with renowned services and a selection of the finest apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family.”

In all my years of shopping internationally, I have yet to come across a retail store that offers better customer care. The company takes it’s mission statement of “offering the best possible service, selection, quality and value” to an extreme. Their car valet employees changed my flat tire, their concierge located my lost cell phone, their restaurants offer consistently high quality food and their sales assistants alert you of upcoming sales. Every purchase is always returnable and each store employee is hand picked for their cheerful, helpful and knowledgeable demeanor.

I would like to thank Nordstrom for making me feel like royalty whenever I enter their store. I am greeted by name and will happily spend my fashion dollars because I know that I get “that something extra” in return. I am proud to say that I am a Nordies girl.

For Seattleites, the downtown Nordstrom flagship store is not only a shopping haven, but a way of life. With the main buying office right above it, the store is sure to receive the best merchandise and the closest managerial retail attention.

Esprit is a German chain store and a brand known for it’s uncomplicated, sporty European style and clean-cut, crisp looking merchandise. Their fit is roomier than fellow European retailers and quality usually superior. They offer casual and smart casual clothing / accessories for men and women at affordable prices.

Esprit was a great brand to own in the ‘80’s and early 90’s, but battled a bit when giants like H&M and Zara took over most of the European contemporary fashion scene. Suddenly their look seemed expensive and basic (sound familiar?). In a world where people want more for their fashion dollar, Esprit was forced to make changes. They realized that “basic was less desirable” and are back on the map. Their casual wear is once again a strength for both the funky urbanite and modern classic.

Esprit is available all over Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada. You’ll find stand alone stores in New York City, but elsewhere in the United States Nordstrom is your only option. I’ve recently added Esprit items back into my wardrobe and thoroughly recommend them. Perhaps the Gap could look to Esprit for inspiration?

Esprit are doing a great job of educating customers on their websites. These styles show how effortlessly their items can be layered and co-ordinated. Try creating similar casual combinations with the clothes you already have in your wardrobe.

Most international fashion brands are represented in the Hong Kong retail sector. While it might seem silly to shop in stores that you can freely peruse back home, this can actually be a very good idea. Here’s why:

• The stores have different merchandise – chain store fashion buyers buy in different products for different regions to meet the specific needs of the local target market. For example, there is a much bigger assortment of business casual and party wear in Hong Kong stores because of smarter and stricter dress codes.
• There is a wider variety of merchandise – the assortments in stores are not only different – there is often also more variety and a better range of sizes. Unless you live in New York, Milan, Paris, or London, Hong Kong is likely to have more options in your favourite brands than the stores back home.
• The products are often cheaper – stores in Hong Kong are often on sale. Whether it’s a swanky Hugo Boss shop, a fabulous Japanese department store, or a flirty little Chinese boutique – there always seems to be a bargain available. In Europe the brands are seldom on sale. American retail stores are much better about offering their customers “a deal”, but can’t compete with the deep discounts and frequency of Hong Kong sales.

Make sure that you look up familiar stores and brands when you visit Hong Kong – you won’t be disappointed.

The streets are alive with fashion. A woman wearing skinny jeans over converse sneakers walks by – maybe the fifth example of this new look that I’ve seen in as many minutes. Right behind her is another wearing riding boots over skinnies (the look I had expected), paired with a bubble tunic. I’m surrounded by artful combinations of skirts and shorts with trendy boots. And with the cool temperatures, few people are passing up the opportunity to took ultra-chic in their trusty trenches. I’m back in Hong Kong and I love it!

It’s here that you’ll see men and women on the streets effortlessly adopting catwalk fashion trends with confidence and comfort. This is not to say that people aren’t casually dressed – they are, but oozing with style all the same. And not all dressed to the hilt in high-price designer wear either – everyday brands, local brands and treasures sold from hawkers on the street are equally popular. Dressing well is part of the culture, and shopping is a national pastime.

And the shopping! To say that Hong Kong is a shopping paradise is a gross understatement. Virtually every international brand and retail chain store is represented in this crowded and compact city, but fancier and with a better assortment. The Nine West store boasts a variety that I have never seen in the United States; and the party wear in British chain store Marks & Spencer is more elaborate then you’ll ever see in England.

I lived in Hong Kong for many years, and I return regularly. Each time I do I’m blown away by the incredible abundance of fashion coupled with a population that wears it with style every day.

Fancy, festive Nine West window in Harbour City, Hong Kong.